Rare hoopoe bird blown off course seen at reserve

A rare hoopoe bird has been spotted in Angus after it was blown off course on its autumn migration.

Birdwatchers have been flocking to the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve since the bird arrived last week. Hoopoes do not breed in the UK but can be blown off course during autumn migrations betweeneuropeandafrica.

The bird, which has black and white wings, a curved beak and a distinctive crest, has been seen at various locations around the Basin over the past week and appears to be doing well.